Scholarships, Grants and Financial Resources for Students with Disabilities

American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship ProgramRoberta Carlin | rcarlin@aahd.us(301) 545-6140 ext. 206
AAHD provides a $1,000 scholarship for full-time students with documented disabilities who are enrolled in or accepted by a four-year university or graduate school. Preference is given to students in the field of public health, health promotion and disability studies including disability policy and research. Applications must be e-mailed to contact@aahd.us with the correct subject line by mid-November.

American Association of People with DisabilitiesThe American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is dedicated to supporting and developing emerging leaders with disabilities in an effort to promote cultivation of leadership among Americans with disabilities. Internship programs for leadership cultivation and workforce recruitment of people with disabilities are available in various locations nationwide. Many internships are in Washington, DC.

American Foundation for the BlindThe American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. A list of grants and scholarships for students who are blind or visually impaired is provided.

Arts for Life! ScholarshipsThis annual scholarship program recognizes the creativity and artistic talents of high school students throughout Florida by awarding $1,000 scholarships to 25 Florida high school seniors who demonstrate academic and artistic excellence in the visual arts, music, dance, drama or creative writing. Students are judged on a sample of work and an essay explaining how the arts have had a positive influence on their lives.

Benjamin A. Gilman International ScholarshipThis scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this congressionally funded program is administered by the Institute of International Education through its Southern Regional Center in Houston, TX. Applications are accepted in the spring.

College Board Inspiring Minds - Easy Financial PlannerUnderstand all of your options when it comes to paying for college and get the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans and college financing. Paying for a college education is no small undertaking. There are many questions to consider: what will it cost, how much can be saved, how much a family can afford to pay, how much a family can borrow and what scholarships are available. The Financial Aid Easy Planner will help if you’re not sure where to start.

DO-ITDO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) serves to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs such as those in science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Primary funding for DO-IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington and the U.S. Department of Education. This Web site provides information on federal and state aid and scholarships as well as disability specific scholarships and awards including hearing loss/deafness, visual impairments, physical/mobility impairments, learning disabilities and others.

Ed.gov - Find AidThe Department (ED) will provide more than $116 billion this year to help millions of students and families pay for postsecondary education. If you're exploring options for paying for college, you'll learn about the various kinds of financial aid (loans, grants and work-study), how to apply, common myths and more. Financial aid professionals at banks, colleges, guaranty agencies and other postsecondary or lending institutions will want to see the online library of technical publications, regulations and policy guidance on the administration of the student financial assistance programs. Disabled students have access to the same grants and scholarships as other students, but with a little digging, they can find grants.

eHow Government Grants for Students With DisabilitiesFinding money for college is a concern for many students and families. For those who have disabilities, ranging from physical to learning disabilities, it can be even tougher. Disabled students have access to the same grants and scholarships as other students, but with a little digging, they can find grants.

Family Network on Disabilities - Jan LaBelle ScholarshipsFND offers Jan LaBelle Scholarships of up to $15,000 for Florida residents with disabilities who are 16-24 years of age, meet income and other requirements and are first-time students at academic or vocational institutions of higher learning. Applications are accepted from September through mid-November. Additional information, applications and documentation requirements are available on the website.

Financial Aid FinderThe management team of Financial Aid Finder has been producing top-rated financial aid resources since 1993. A few years ago, it decided to bring these resources to the public for free. Financial Aid Finder believes that in today’s economic market students need all the help they can get in finding and evaluating college financial aid options to help them pay for their college and university education.

Florida Council of the Blind ScholarshipsBarbara Grill | grillbh@comcast.net(941) 966-7056
Online applications for four scholarships of $750 to $2,500 and one scholarship of $500 are available from the Florida Council of the Blind and the Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision, respectively. Applicants must be 1) blind or visually impaired and 2) attending high school or college or have been accepted by a college or university. Applications and supporting documents are made available in January with a mid-March submission deadline.

FloridaShinesFloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida's 20,000,000 residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career. They work with the state's 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help you succeed in school and beyond. There are currently over 270 scholarhips listed.

The Gardiner ScholarshipsScholarship funds can be used for a variety of educational supports. See the website for a complete listing.

Google ScholarshipsAs part of Google's ongoing commitment to advancing computing and technology, it is pleased to provide scholarships to encourage students to excel in their studies and become active role models and leaders. It is hoped that these programs will also help in dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. Deadlines vary with each scholarship.

Google Lime Scholarship for Students with DisabilitiesGoogle hosts networking events designed to connect undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students with disabilities to best-of-class companies in the U.S. and Canada. Its corporate partners represent a variety of industries and have teamed up with Lime to source talent for the broad variety of full-time, internship and co-op opportunities they seek to fill in the intellectual marketplace. Google also works with its partners to provide scholarships for outstanding students with disabilities, such as the BMO Financial Group/Lime Scholarship and Internship Program and the Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Guide to Federal Student AidThis guide from the U.S. Department of Education provides information for students and families on applying for federal student aid to pay for post-secondary education. It explains the application process, the various federal loans, grants and work-study programs available and how to apply for them. Also available in Spanish. This is a large publication that opens in PDF or HTML formats.

HEATHThe HEATH Resource Center is an online clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. It has information for students with disabilities on educational disability support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, accessing college or university campuses, career-technical schools and other postsecondary training entities. It also has information on financial assistance, scholarships and materials that help students with disabilities transition into college, university, career-technical schools, or other postsecondary programs. Applicable deadlines are provided on the Web site.

Be diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder

Be currently receiving medical treatment for the disease, including medications and psychiatric follow-up

Be actively involved in rehabilitative or reintegrative efforts, such as clubhouse membership, part-time work, volunteer efforts or school enrollment

Complete an application package that includes an application form, essay, transcripts (if applicable), recommendation forms from three references and school financial requirements.

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) GrantsThe Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is a small foundation with a big mission: to help make Changes for the Better for the one-out-of-five Americans of student age who have physical, mental, or learning disabilities. The Foundation's impact is intended to be as broad and lasting as possible to serve the largest number of young people with disabilities. But it also focuses on the individual, on the small changes for the better that can make a big difference in people's lives.

National Center for Learning Disabilities ScholarshipsNCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. NCLD recognizes outstanding high school students with LD, general education teachers, schools or school-related programs and artists of all ages who have LD. Deadlines vary. Please go to the Web site for specific information on each scholarship.

The National Down Syndrome Society Scholarship Opportunityotef@ndss.org | (800) 221-4602
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is offering an exciting scholarship opportunity for students with Down syndrome through the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund. The mission of the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome - 18 and older - who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in postsecondary educational programs.
Read more by viewing the application.

NFB Scholarships for College Students Who are Blindscholarships@nfb.orgStudents who are blind and attending college may apply to win one of 30 awards, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, in the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program. In addition, each winner will be assisted to attend the NFB Annual Convention. This scholarship program is available solely to college students who are legally blind and living in the United States or Puerto Rico. Membership in the NFB is not required. All documents required from the applicants must be postmarked by the March deadline. The application form and full details on eligibility and requirements are available online.

National Future Farmers of America (FFA) ScholarshipsEach year the National FFA Organization awards approximately $2 million in scholarships designed to fit the diversity of its applicants. Scholarships are sponsored by businesses and individuals through the National FFA Foundation and are given for a wide variety of experiences, career goals and higher education plans. The selection process takes into account the whole student - FFA involvement, work experience, Supervised Agricultural Experiences, community service, leadership skills and academics. More than 1,000 scholarships are awarded. Applications are available in mid-November. This is a yearly application.

O’Neill Tabani Enrichment FundThe O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund offers financial assistance to adults - 18 and older - who have Down syndrome and wish to continue to enhance their lives by taking classes or enrolling in postsecondary educational programs. Students of all abilities are encouraged to apply.

Ruby’s Rainbowliz@rubysrainbow.orgRuby’s Rainbow is a non-profit dedicated to the higher educational needs of adults with Down syndrome, granting scholarships nationwide for post-secondary education, vocational or enrichment classes. The organization is currently offering scholarships to individuals with Down Syndrome (18 years of age and up) seeking higher education or post-secondary enrichment classes. Scholarships are valued up to $4,000 per awarded individual. The deadline to apply is April 28th. Ruby Rainbow's mission is to help students achieve their dreams of higher education and independence, while showing the world just how cool and capable they truly are.
Read more by accessing the application.

The development of this website was funded by the University of South Florida St. Petersburg
through a grant by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services,
Florida Department of Education (2016-2017, 291-2627B-7C008​).